“Pete the Cat” Programming Ideas
The “Pete the Cat” book series can be a great theme for a library program offering games and arts and crafts. The character appears in picture books as well as easy readers, so this theme works well for preschool through third graders and their siblings. James Dean originated the series and was the first illustrator. Kimberly Dean later collaborated on more “Pete the Cat” books, and musician Eric Litwin also is a collaborator.
Begin the event with a few “Pete the Cat” read-alouds, the icebreaker, and refreshments. Then break up into small groups and let attendees go to whichever activities appeal to them. Have two teen volunteers at each activity to assist children, monitor materials used, award prizes, and maintain crowd control.
Icebreaker
Begin the event with a showing of the video “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes”: Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes | Animated Book | Read aloud. Distribute Pete the Cat nametags: Pete the Cat and the New Guy: Name Tags – Petethecatbooks.
Refreshments
Fruit Kabobs: For a simple, healthy snack, offer fruit kabobs or watermelon slices. We know Pete the Cat loves fruit because they get on his white shoes!
Pizza: After reading “Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party,” have pizza! Maybe a local pizza shop can donate or offer a discount for the pizza. You could also show the video version of the book: Bing Videos.
Group Activity: Dance the “Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie” by following this animated adaptation of the book with the same name: #ReadAlong PETE THE CAT and the Cool Cat Boogie by Kimberly & James Dean | Dance-Along!.
Games
Pete the Cat Bean Bag Toss: This idea is from the Lego Librarian. Make a target using a large cardboard box with four holes where Pete’s groovy buttons would be: Pete the Cat Storytime and Party – The Lego Librarian. Award prizes based on how many bean bags hit the targeted holes
Pete the Cat Big Lunch Game: Decorate a game wheel with cutouts of the items Pete eats for his big lunch. Award prizes based on where the wheel lands. https://www.amazon.com/Retbtnm-Spinner-Spinning-Classroom-Activities/dp/B0DQTC6JGQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=299SFRB2ZYV6D&dib=ey
Cupcake Ringtoss: Using the plastic cupcakes from Pete the Cat Missing Cupcakes Game, make a simple ringtoss game by placing the cupcakes on a table. Have player toss three hoops at the cupcakes, trying to ring one for a prize. You can use embroidery hoops.
Arts and Crafts
Pete the Cat Printables: Check out the official “Pete the Cat” website for printables, including coloring pages, mazes, pencil games, and more! Downloads – Petethecatbooks.
Pete the Cat head bands: Pete The Cat Headband Craft [Free Template].
Pete the Cat paper plate crafts: Pete the Cat craft.
Button Bracelets: These bracelets are easy enough for a preschooler to make! Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons Craft – Coffee Cups and Crayons.
You can get more arts and crafts ideas here: Pete the Cat Activities, Songs, and Educational Videos – HarperCollins.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool
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